Mardi Gras is next Tuesday!

Many countries around the world celebrate Carnival season, which begins on Epiphany or Three Kings Day in January and ends on Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday.

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the practice of eating rich, fatty foods. The “shrove” in Shrove Tuesday comes from the word shrive, meaning “confess.” Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent.

In many areas, the term “Mardi Gras” has come to refer to the whole period of activity related to the celebratory events, beyond just the single day. This year Mardi Gras falls on March 4, with Ash Wednesday on March 5.

CardsDirect offers many festive choices to help with your celebrations. Here are a few to get you started: